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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 05: Erling Haaland #9 of Norway celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 05, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The World Cup quarterfinals present an entirely different Fantasy challenge. With just four matches remaining before the semifinals, gone are the one-sided fixtures that defined earlier rounds.
Every team left in the competition has earned its place, meaning Fantasy managers must focus less on chasing blowouts and more on backing the strongest favorites, penalty takers, and players capable of deciding tight contests.
Argentina and England appear to have the most favorable matchups on paper, while France versus Morocco and Spain versus Belgium promise to be far more evenly contested affairs.
With that in mind, here’s our best World Cup Fantasy XI for the quarterfinals, lining up in a balanced 4-3-3 formation.
Goalkeeper
Mike Maignan (France) – $5.0m
Although France face an impressive Morocco side, Mike Maignan still ranks among the highest-projected goalkeepers this round.
His combination of save potential and clean-sheet upside makes him an attractive option, particularly for managers already investing in France’s defense. If Les Bleus progress, Maignan could reward owners with another solid Fantasy return.
Defenders
Lisandro Martinez (Argentina) – $4.6m
Lisandro Martinez is arguably the standout defensive bargain of the quarterfinals.
Projected as one of the top defenders this round despite costing just $4.6m, the Argentine center-back benefits from Argentina facing Switzerland, the fixture many projections rate as the most favorable of the four quarterfinals. At just 2.2% ownership, he also offers excellent differential value.
Lucas Digne (France) – $5.0m
Lucas Digne continues to fly under the radar despite offering access to one of the tournament favorites.
Owned by barely 1% of Fantasy managers, the French full-back combines clean-sheet potential with attacking upside, making him one of the best low-owned defensive picks available.
Pedro Porro (Spain) – $5.5m
Spain are expected to dominate possession against Belgium, and Pedro Porro should benefit from that territorial advantage.
The attacking full-back regularly pushes high up the pitch and has the ability to contribute at both ends, making him one of Spain’s most appealing defensive assets.
Djed Spence (England) – $4.5m
England’s clash with Norway is viewed as one of the better defensive fixtures of the quarterfinals, and Djed Spence remains an outstanding budget enabler.
With projected security of starts and ownership of just 0.2%, the Tottenham defender allows managers to save money without sacrificing upside.
Midfielders
Michael Olise (France) – $9.5m
Olise continues to establish himself as one of France’s most reliable Fantasy assets.
He enters the quarterfinals as one of the highest-projected midfielders in the game, with his creativity, goal threat and involvement in France’s attack making him an excellent premium midfield option.
Lamine Yamal (Spain) – $10.0m
Spain’s teenage sensation has been one of the standout performers of the tournament.
Projected among the top midfielders for the quarterfinals, Yamal’s direct running and creativity make him capable of producing points even against strong opposition. While Mikel Oyarzabal handles penalties, Yamal remains heavily involved in Spain’s attacking play.
Jude Bellingham (England) – $8.3m
Bellingham offers one of the safest routes into England’s midfield.
With Norway providing one of the friendlier quarterfinal matchups, the Real Madrid star should have plenty of opportunities to influence proceedings through both goals and assists, while his price also offers better value than England’s premium forwards.
Forwards
Lionel Messi (Argentina) – $10.0m
Messi tops the captaincy rankings once again.
Argentina are considered the strongest favorites of the quarterfinals, and with Messi on penalties and most set pieces, virtually every dangerous Argentine attack runs through him. His combination of floor and ceiling makes him arguably the best Fantasy asset available this week.
Harry Kane (England) – $10.5m
England’s captain remains one of the safest premium forwards in the game.
Facing Norway, Kane finds himself in one of the better attacking fixtures of the round, while his role as England’s penalty taker only increases his Fantasy appeal. Managers looking for consistency should have little hesitation selecting him.
Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) – $8.1m
Oyarzabal rounds off the front three as arguably the best value premium available.
Priced significantly cheaper than the elite forwards, Spain’s striker is still their designated penalty taker and ranks among the highest projected players of the quarterfinals. His favorable price also helps managers spread funds more effectively across the rest of their squad.
Best Quarterfinal Fantasy XI (4-3-3)
GK: Mike Maignan (France)
DEF: Lisandro Martinez (Argentina), Lucas Digne (France), Pedro Porro (Spain), Djed Spence (England)
MID: Michael Olise (France), Lamine Yamal (Spain), Jude Bellingham (England)
FWD: Lionel Messi (Argentina), Harry Kane (England), Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain)
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